Drivers are happy about the collapse in oil prices, but with federal highway funds also tanking, even Republicans are considering raising the gas tax to make sure road construction can continue. But calling the gas tax a "user fee" may not help push changes past conservatives in Congress.

Senate Democrats and some Republicans gave tentative approval to a $40 billion "border surge" bill that proposes to beef up the manpower and structural security of the U.S.-Mexico border. It is a step Democrats hope will give momentum for a bill to create a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants already in the United States.

Republicans in the U.S. Senate this week have indicated they'll allow votes on two bills — one that would reform the country's immigration system and another that would provide for background checks in all commercial gun sales. Whether they'll pass, though, remains to be seen.

In the face of mounting political pressure, fading conservative support and building public rage, House Republicans have agreed to a temporary extension of unemployment benefits and the payroll tax cuts.

In the face of mounting political pressure, fading conservative support and building public rage, House Republicans have agreed to a temporary extension of unemployment benefits and the payroll tax cuts.

Republicans in the U.S. Senate this week have indicated they'll allow votes on two bills — one that would reform the country's immigration system and another that would provide for background checks in all commercial gun sales. Whether they'll pass, though, remains to be seen.

Senate Democrats and some Republicans gave tentative approval to a $40 billion "border surge" bill that proposes to beef up the manpower and structural security of the U.S.-Mexico border. It is a step Democrats hope will give momentum for a bill to create a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants already in the United States.

Drivers are happy about the collapse in oil prices, but with federal highway funds also tanking, even Republicans are considering raising the gas tax to make sure road construction can continue. But calling the gas tax a "user fee" may not help push changes past conservatives in Congress.

Drivers are happy about the collapse in oil prices, but with federal highway funds also tanking, even Republicans are considering raising the gas tax to make sure road construction can continue. But calling the gas tax a "user fee" may not help push changes past conservatives in Congress.

In the face of mounting political pressure, fading conservative support and building public rage, House Republicans have agreed to a temporary extension of unemployment benefits and the payroll tax cuts.

Republicans in the U.S. Senate this week have indicated they'll allow votes on two bills — one that would reform the country's immigration system and another that would provide for background checks in all commercial gun sales. Whether they'll pass, though, remains to be seen.

Senate Democrats and some Republicans gave tentative approval to a $40 billion "border surge" bill that proposes to beef up the manpower and structural security of the U.S.-Mexico border. It is a step Democrats hope will give momentum for a bill to create a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants already in the United States.